What's it like to be an RN in California?

Sour Lemon · Aug 3, 2019

I'm happy, but tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you have a BSN? How many years of experience? What area and/or type of hospital are you hoping to work at? Where in California are you hoping to move?

It takes the BON about three months to process an application after everything has been completed and turned in.

If you update, I'll answer again with what might be relative to your situation.

DebbieCakes · Aug 3, 2019

Surely! I do have a BSN and have over 3 years experience in cardiac nursing. I like tele. I'm also interested in outpatient clinic nursing. I'm flexible to locations. I'm really curious about how the nurses feel about their jobs there regarding staffing and safety (patients and license). These matter most to me in order to practice as an RN. Do you think the mandated ratios make a difference to your quality of life working as a nurse?

jobellestarr · Aug 3, 2019

My background is transplant and I worked at UCSF and Kaiser. What area of Cali are you going to go to? I found San Jose to be more family friendly and sunnier than San Francisco. I also lived in San Raphael, a lovely small town north of San Francisco. Nurses are usually great to work with, staffing is good especially at the Kaiser in San Raphael. The biggest issue is affordable housing which is why I lived in a RV or with my former sister in law.

db2xs · Aug 3, 2019

3 hours ago, DebbieCakes said:
Are nurses happy out there? What is the hospital practice like as compared to other places you worked? I hear so many wonderful things about Cali. Upside and downside comments will be most appreciated to help solidify my decision either way. NP/MSN opinions for clinics invited as well. I've been Cali dreaming for years.

Hi Debbie. I've only ever worked in California as an RN and NP so I can't compare it to anywhere else in the country.

I know nurses who love being nurses, I know nurses who hate it. I've only ever worked in one hospital as an RN before I became an NP. I heard horror stories from other RNs about other hospitals so I think it's relative about what is nice and what isn't. I can say that I am very grateful that we were union at my previous job because administration will cut you without thinking twice. The union fought for us and I think it's deplorable that my current employer will not let the RNs unionize.

If you've been California dreaming, why not check it out as a travel RN?

Maryrose, MSN, RN · Aug 27, 2019

I know nurses who are travelers who live inside and outside of California and love it. One RN works as a regular employee 6 days a month and goes back to her home state for the rest of the month.

Good luck to you!

Maryrose, RN,MSN

joansmith1 · Aug 29, 2019

I worked in healthcare in CA before I was an RN. In another state now. In general, RN's in CA have better working conditions because of the ratios and mandated breaks/lunches. However, it is my understanding that some employers shortchange their units on CNA's because of this. So while you may have a smaller patient load, you may be responsible for more patient care tasks. So ask about CNA staffing on your unit. Some hospitals are union, some are not. In general, the pay in CA is better because the cost of living is higher (as are CA state taxes).

Subee2, BSN, MSN, CRNA · Aug 29, 2019

What part of California are you dreaming about? It's a huge state and a variety of climates and cultures. But, no matter where you are, even in the hot valley, housing is expensive...very expensive. Like a big chunk of your salary.